guillotine
UK[ˈɡɪlətiːn]US[ˈɡɪlətiːn]
n
a machine with a heavy blade that slides down a frame, used for beheading people.
n
a device or method for cutting paper, metal, or other materials.
v
to execute someone or cut something using a guillotine.
Etymology
the word 'guillotine' is an eponym, derived from the name of dr. joseph-ignace guillotin, a french physician and member of the constituent assembly. in 1789, he proposed the use of a mechanical, egalitarian device for execution as a more humane and efficient alternative to methods used for different social classes. while he did not invent the machine, his advocacy led to its adoption during the french revolution, and his name became permanently attached to it. the term entered english in the 1790s, directly from french, carrying the grim historical and political connotations of its revolutionary origins.
Analysis
this is a loanword adopted as a single, unsegmentable unit in english.
Examples
during the french revolution, the guillotine became a powerful and feared symbol.
the printer used a guillotine to trim the edges of the book pages neatly.
the government's attempt to guillotine the debate and force a quick vote was heavily criticized.